Dr Kathryn Williams is a UK-based flutist, creative collaborator, and researcher.
Her project Coming Up for Air invites composers to write pieces limited to a single breath, inspired by her experience of chronic respiratory illness. With over 150 works and counting, it has become a platform for rethinking virtuosity, embodiment, and accessibility. Her work has been performed internationally and featured in BBC Music Magazine, TEMPO, and Breathe Magazine. In 2024, the Coming Up for Air Concerto premiered with the Luxembourg Philharmonic.
Kathryn Williams is part of Welcome in – a musical excursion at Akademie der Künste on Saturday, 31.5.2025.
FACTS
1. Asthma shaped my relationship with the flute — and ultimately redefined my virtuosity.
2. My entire professional career has happened after becoming a young, single mother.
3. I believe safer, more inclusive music workplaces benefit everyone — and I won’t stop advocating for them.
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
Connection — with people, with myself, with composers, with the environment. I’m always looking for where curiosity meets meaning.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
Around age 9, summering with my grandparents in Michigan. My grandpa, a retired band teacher, found a student flute in his stash and gave me my first lessons.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
I’m more of a playlist gal! My “Boss Bitch” playlist (shared with my sisters) is on repeat. I also collect breath-themed tracks: Every Breath You Take, Breathe On Me, Just Breathe… you get the idea!
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
This is my first visit — I’m ready to soak it all in. I’ve heard Berlin is great for gluten-free food, so I’ll come hungry and curious.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
A narrow path behind my house that leads up into the hills. You can spot a church steeple in the distance and hear the bells being practised on Thursday evenings.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Probably become a therapist. I believe truly listening is one of the kindest things we can offer.
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
Self Esteem – A Complicated Woman.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Myself, 10 years ago… and myself, 10 years from now. Failing that, the Finnish artist Annette Arlander, who works with nature. I think we’d have a great time outdoors.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
The premiere of Coming Up for Air with the Luxembourg Philharmonic: 46 single-breath works woven into a full orchestral tapestry. I was buzzing for weeks.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Essential. With Arts Council support I’ve built a home studio and started making tracks. Breath-led music now has a digital form. I’m also co-developing a project with composer Bofan Ma that sonifies live indoor air quality readings using synths, pre-recorded flute, and field recordings.
What can we expect from your performance during Welcome in at the Akademie der Künste?
Moments of stillness, sound, and surprise. Five works from Coming Up for Air — three new commissions from Junge Akademie alumni, plus two more: one leaves a permanent mark, one evaporates. I’ll pop up throughout the building — see if you can find me!
